Arthur Allison piano

[davidwall]

Hi
I have the option to buy an o/strung Arthur Allison piano dated about 1907. It looks in good condition but are these really any better build quality than the rest at that time? Anybody know?
David

[Colin Nicholson]

I think its fair to say that ALL piano are built well, no matter what the name is - thats just a name! If its lasted over 100 years, how many more years would you expect a piano to live? Most pianos out-live vintage cars, but it depends on how well it is has been looked after/ tuned/ regulated/ refurbishment work etc.

The name 'Allison' (of London) is a well-known maker of pianos, established around 1837; and some may still be in existance and good condition today built around the 1920's - 1950's - but the name alone will not determine the condition of the piano you have seen. Any piano dated over 100 years old will develop problems & every piano is different. The 'build' of the piano will be no different to other similar pianos, and all pianos are differently affected by moisture/damp/ warm conditions. Any piano dated around 1907 will have various inherant problems & wear & tear - the 'build' aspect of it will be the last thing on my mind! - how about the strings & their condition? does it produce a nice tone? has it been well looked after?

'And the rest' is too vague, and we would need to see photos - but I recommend that you get someone to check it over unless its going for a song.

Try and avoid over-damped & check the mechanism over/ tuning stability/ tuning pins & general condition.

General questions:-

How much is the piano for sale?
Is this a private sale or auction?
Does it look clean inside?
What is the condition of the casework & keys?
Do all the notes work?
Is the piano in tune & tuned near A440?
Is this a private/auction/trade sale?
What other makes of piano have you compared this with?

[Bill Kibby]

As Colin's comments imply, Arthur Allison was not a top maker, but in an old piano like this, the name is usually less important than the condition. Ask a tuner to check it over before parting with your money. Pianos like this usually fetch very little if they are sold unrestored at local auctions.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Not all pianos are well made. Not by a long stretch
I've had a Gebauhr and a Topic recently. Both about 20 years old but SHOCKINGLY badly made.

Some pianos creak as you move them as the cabinet flexes. Not good